Rushlift GSE, the specialist airport ground support equipment and services provider, has won a 56-month extension to its long-running GSE contract with easyJet.
The new multi-million-pound deal continues an existing five-year agreement with Rushlift GSE to supply, manage and maintain easyJet’s ground-handling fleet at Gatwick Airport. The London hub is the low-cost carrier’s largest and busiest base, with around 210 departures a day at peak.
More than 570 ground support assets will be managed by Rushlift GSE under a progressive programme of innovation and equipment enhancement which includes an on-going transition from diesel to electric vehicles. As part of this programme, Rushlift is in the process of introducing eight Mallaghan bendi-belts, an advanced electric powered baggage conveyor that has the ability to bend through 90°, delivering bags deep into the baggage hold. The investment will help to reduce turn-around times, ease demands on staff and reduce manual handling strain.
As under the existing contract, Rushlift GSE will supply, maintain and support a wide variety of vehicles of different manufacture, along with related handling equipment – from TLD push-back tugs, TBL tractors, electric baggage tugs and baggage carts, to steps, low loaders, belt loaders, ground power units and vans. During the course of 2022 Rushlift supplied easyJet with more than 100 additional items of GSE. All vehicles will be regularly serviced as part of a set maintenance regime, with fast, on-site breakdown response and support.
In line with the expansion of Rushlift GSE’s Gatwick operations, the business has opened a new 36,000 sq ft service centre and workshop close to the airside access gates.
Image: Rushlift GSE/ easyJet
